The two-hour season 2 finale of Matlock aired on April 23
NEED TO KNOW
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The legal drama starring Kathy Bates has become one of the most-watched series on broadcast TV
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In January 2026, CBS shared news about Matlock season 3
Another season and another major case have come to a close forKathy Bates' Madeline "Matty" Matlock!
WhenMatlockpremiered in 2024, it seemed like it would be a remake of the classic legal drama starringAndy Griffith— but creator and showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman proved the series was much more than that. The procedural was a reimagining of the original, with the reveal of the true identity of Bates' character, and the real reason she joined the Jacobson Moore law firm.
The first season ofMatlockproved to be a hit, becoming one of thehighest-rated shows on broadcast TV.The series returned in October 2025 for season 2, which just wrapped on April 23 with a two-hour finale.
So, with season 2 now over, here's everything to know aboutMatlockseason 3, and when the series will be back with new episodes.
HasMatlockbeen renewed for season 3?
Yes,Matlockhas been renewed for season 3. CBS announced the news ina press releasein January 2026.
What willMatlockseason 3 be about?
The plot forMatlockseason 3 has not been revealed, but one major story is coming to an end: the Wellbrexa opioid case, which was what brought Matty Matlock to the law firm back at the beginning of the series.
"You’re getting our answer. The Wellbrexa case is closing at the end of Season 2," series starSkye P. MarshalltoldParadein April 2026. "There are going to be so many twists and turns, and who you think is involved and not involved is going to send you to the floor."
"The finale is going to knock you out. Season 3 is a new day," the actress teased.
Which cast members are returning forMatlockseason 3?
The cast forMatlockseason 3 has not been confirmed, but expect stars Bates and Marshall to return.
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Other members of theMatlockensemble includeJason Ritter, Leah Lewis, Aaron D. Harris, Sam Anderson andBeau Bridges.
According toParade, one season 2 cast addition who is expected to return is Marshall's real-life husband,Edwin Hodges, who appeared in the latest season, playing Langston Wright.
When willMatlockseason 3 premiere?
Matlockis returning for a third season, but viewers will have to wait a while until the new episodes debut.
In April 2026, CBS announced its fall schedule, revealing that hit shows likeMatlockandGhostsare being held until midseason for the 2026-2027 TV schedule.
"It really speaks to the strength of our schedule that we’re in a position to move bonafide hits likeMatlockandGhoststo mid season,” said CBS entertainment president Amy Reisenbach, perVariety.
It might be disappointing to have to wait longer for season 3, but it was Urman who asked CBS for more time to work on the upcoming episodes.
"I just feel like we had so much stuff to think about because we really landed the plane on this," the showrunner toldTV Insiderabout the end of season 2. "When we took this two-hour finale and really paid a lot of things off, what came with that was I’m going to need time after that to really build the architecture so that we have it for the next seasons."
"I’m excited about it, but I am also grateful because we needed a little bit of time," she added.
Where can I watchMatlock?
Matlockairs on CBS, and seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream onParamount+.
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